The first-ever Directors-General’s (DGs) Roundtable has been held in Lagos, bringing together heads of regulatory agencies to discuss policies and initiatives to drive growth and innovation across critical sectors, particularly the media industry.
The Roundtable was a major highlight at the opening of the 4th Nigeria Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards (NEMCEA).
In his remarks, former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who acknowledged the rapid evolution of Nigeria’s broadcast media, urged the Federal Government to urgently update the National Broadcasting Code to address emerging opportunities and challenges posed by the proliferation of social media.
He stressed that digital technology had already outpaced the existing code, noting that Nigeria could draw lessons from the European Union and other regions that had proactively revised their media regulations.
He further emphasized that online content creators should be subject to the same obligations as traditional broadcasters, who operate under strict rules and standards.
The former minister also called for the inclusion of streaming services within the national broadcasting code to ensure the creation of authentic, balanced, relevant, and environmentally sensitive content.
To achieve this, he proposed the establishment of a national body of content creators, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders to align media outputs with national goals and the overall well-being of Nigerians.
Highlighting the rapid changes in the industry, Lai Mohammed said:
“A decade ago, broadcasting followed a single path — producers created, broadcasters aired, and families tuned in at fixed hours. That pattern has dissolved. Today’s audiences roam freely across screens, from television to smartphones and digital radio.”
Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndache, who represented the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, commended the organisers for adopting the theme “Sustainable Content Creation in a Fragmented Media Space.”
The Minister stressed that content creation must go beyond dissemination of information to building a resilient ecosystem.
“It’s about ensuring content is not only consumed locally but also globally. It must inform, educate, entertain, and, most importantly, uphold ethical values,” he said.
Mallam Ndache further noted that VON is expanding its reach, currently broadcasting in eight languages with plans to include more, reaffirming its mission to connect Nigeria’s brand with audiences at home and abroad.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama—represented by the Director of Corporate Development and Communication, Mr. Osana Omame—described NEMCEA as a gathering of the best in Nigeria’s electronic media space.
He pledged that Radio Nigeria, through its robust broadcasting, would give the event maximum visibility.
“This event showcases the best of Nigeria’s electronic media landscape, advertising, and innovation. I commend the Electronic Media Content Creators Association for their tireless efforts in contributing to sustainable content in a fragmented media landscape. It resonates with Radio Nigeria’s mission to inform, educate, and entertain through quality broadcasting,” he said.
The Director of Lagos Operations at FRCN, Mrs. Bolanle Owoyemi, also emphasized the importance of collaboration with NEMCEA, noting that no organization can thrive in isolation in today’s digital era.
She reaffirmed Radio Nigeria’s strategic role in national development, given its wide reach.
Similarly, Mr. Ibikunle Cole, representing NBC DG Charles Ebuebu, described NEMCEA as a testament to the innovation and resilience of Nigeria’s content creators making global impact. He urged creators to ensure their works promote decency and align with Nigeria’s developmental goals.
NTA DG Mr. Salihu Dembos, represented by Lagos Zonal Director Evelyn Nwosu, praised NEMCEA for consistently showcasing creativity, technical proficiency, and ethical journalism. She described the milestone edition as a vital platform for collaboration and recognition of outstanding contributions to the media landscape.
In his welcome address, President of the Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN), Mr. Adeniji Omirin, said this year’s theme was designed to make content creation more economically viable and relevant to Nigeria’s socio-economic realities.
“This theme speaks to today’s reality: an industry where audiences are scattered across many platforms, yet the demand for quality local content remains strong. Our task is to create, distribute, and monetize content sustainably, providing value for audiences and viability for creators,” he said.
He explained that EMCOAN, which comprises television, radio, and online content owners, producers, and providers, controls up to 70% of all television and radio programs in Nigeria, as well as a significant share of online content.
Project Director of NEMCEA, Mr. Stephen Alayande, added that the event has become the definitive platform for showcasing, networking, and celebrating excellence in the media industry. On the DGs Roundtable, he said:
“This exclusive session is designed to bridge the gap between content creators, broadcasters, advertisers, and regulators, paving the way for a more streamlined and profitable industry.”
Stakeholders at the conference were unanimous in their call for stronger policies, funding support, collaborations, and training initiatives to scale digital content production and position Nigeria as West Africa’s cultural hub.
The two-day event also featured exhibitions and an AI masterclass in content marketing.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh